Five healthy, simple substitutes for gluten, dairy 

Gluten-free and dairy-free eating has become a lifestyle choice for many, but for others, it’s a necessity. This list is not just for those with dietary restrictions in need of some new ideas, but also for those who want to be motivated to develop better eating patterns. The gluten-free and dairy-free industry has grown tremendously […]

5 must-see/do places in Barcelona

There’s always that one group of friends who spend a semester abroad together and won’t eeeeever let you forget it. They’re constantly uploading their abroad experience to Facebook, tossing up a #tbt any chance they can get, repeating the same (sometimes hilarious, but most of the time not entertaining) stories because “you had to be there” to […]

Eating through Barcelona one tapas at a time

Barcelona, Spain, is a city filled with rich culture and history. Whether you are walking through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter or enjoying the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is a city of pure beauty. And that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes but mostly through its food, which serves as […]

9 reasons Barcelona is the gem of Europe

Europe is an incredibly diverse continent, with grungy northeastern cities, beach towns on the glistening Mediterranean Sea, and small villages in the jagged mountains. So when planning a trip to such a diverse continent, how do you decide where to go? This decision can be made easy for you with one simple answer: Barcelona Barcelona […]

17 best emojis and the perfect times to use them

A picture can say a thousand words, but an emoji can relay a thousand feelings. Sometimes it’s easier to insert an emoji than type out exactly what you’re thinking. In a world digital communication, many times texts can be misinterpreted. Why type out that you’re not feeling well when the doctor emoji will suffice? How […]

6 of the best fashion trends for 2017

Fashion is always evolving, and spring is the time to see what is trending. The Fashion Weeks in Paris, New York City and Charleston have come and gone, but the weather has shifted and it’s time to get out those spring wardrobes and freshen them up. The trends of 2017 range from being fashion forward […]

How to dress for Charleston weather

Charleston is known for its beautiful weather, but in every season there are some things to consider while getting dressed for the day. Whether it’s being ready for random weather changes or staying prepared for a spur-of-the-moment beach trip, here are a few wardrobe tips for an entire year in the Holy City. by Laura […]

7 of the most important lessons you learn in college

College is all about trial and error. Constantly being knocked down and learning how to get back up and keep going usually because you really don’t have a choice. The good news is, there are really great lessons to be learned from all these “SERIOUSLY??” moments, and here are seven of the most important ones […]

What everyone who works in retail knows all too well

Working in retail can be described as bittersweet. It’s amazing to constantly be around new fashions and employees who are just as passionate about it as you are. On the downside, the customers don’t always share this passion. Rather the passion they seem to hold is how to mess up the store as much as […]

The ‘madness’ of March Madness is filling out the bracket

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament has come and gone for 2017 with a perennial favorite North Carolina Tarheels team taking the crown in a final run that made for another exhilarating tournament. But Mike Pesca, a basketball commentator, thinks the reputation of March Madness  has more to do with the bracket than the actual game, with […]

7 all-natural household items you should have at all times  

  Take a look at the products in your beauty cabinets and under your kitchen sink. Now pick up one of the bottles and read the list of ingredients. Odds are you have no idea how to pronounce the majority of them, much less have any idea what they actually are. Many hygienic and household […]

4 things to keep on hand if you live in an old Charleston home

One of the great things about living off campus in Charleston is that students don’t typically live in the average apartment complex but instead will live in old Charleston-style homes that have been renovated and turned into apartments. Students can spend weeks looking for the right place that’s in the right location, for the right […]

7 of the best Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors

Who doesn’t want to treat himself/herself with some delicious ice cream? Ben & Jerry’s began in 1978 with two guys and a gas station ice cream business, soon transforming into one of the most popular ice cream brands. With more than 60 flavors to choose from and different forms, like the new Pint Slices, you […]

9 stages of Spring Break madness

  Spring Break is a beacon of hope centered in the agony of second semester. In theory, at least. But things never seem to go as planned and your once-grand idea for an exotic trip to Cabo, has now devolved into a two-hour trip to Columbia (the one in South Carolina). Your escape from reality […]

11 places to grab coffee downtown that are BETTER than Starbucks

Ever get tired of paying $6 for your favorite pick-me-up, only to be disappointed by sub-par flavors and uptight regulars? Not to mention, the only downtown Starbucks worth visiting has shut down indefinitely. If you’re like me, Starbucks’ Pike Place roast just isn’t that impressive. And a regular brew at a local coffeehouse down the […]

How to be about those positive vibes

One thing I’ve mastered over the years, especially as the owner of the OTPV Brand, is how to consciously improve my spiritual and mental energy. As the orange man with the toupee sits in the White House, and America becomes increasingly divided, the dark cloud of negativity seems to follow many on a daily basis. […]

5 ways to improve your self esteem

Life brings financial, social and romantic problems, which can easily bring us down. But confidence in our power to fight what life throws at us – and a strong sense of self-esteem –will allow us to overcome many difficulties. We can all achieve high self-esteem, but we don’t always know how. Here are five suggestions […]

Stay healthy with these hacks for busy people

There are plenty of tips out there for staying healthy despite leading a busy life. But in the grind of everyday appointments and to-do lists, remembering – or just wanting – to do those can be tough. So here are three easy hacks that will help you stay healthy without too much extra effort (and if […]

9 reasons ‘summer camp counselor’ is better than ‘intern’

Every summer college students suddenly have three months of free time, and there’s often an overwhelming amount of pressure from colleges, parents or professors to get an internship and gain some work experience. But what if sitting at a desk isn’t your ideal way to spend a summer? Is any other option juEvery summer college […]

How to stay safe when Charleston floods

Whether it’s a Hurricane Hugo situation or just a Category 2 storm like Hurricane Matthew, Charleston is guaranteed to flood. With age-old irrigation systems and half the city barely above sea level, it’s good to know the do’s and dont’s for this year’s storm season. So get ready with these five tips to survive Charleston’s […]

5 ways traveling will improve your life

Those of us lucky enough to travel know the affect it has on our lives. That feeling of stepping outside of your comfort zone and into something completely different from what you are used to is both exciting and terrifying. The opportunity to travel has given me life experiences that have shaped the person I […]

‘Don’t touch my hair’ – and other advice about the natural hair movement

The natural hair movement is a movement for black women who want to accept the natural state of their hair as opposed to chemically straightening their hair. I have only been a member of the natural hair movement for a few years so comments about my hair are still new and the attempts from others […]

4 reasons soccer will be the most popular sport in America in 10 years

  It’s no secret that the United States doesn’t view soccer the way the rest of the world does. But the sport has made great strides increasing popularity among Americans and especially the new generation. Soccer is making a legit impact in this country in ways that have only been seen by the likes of […]

5 tips for beginner concert photographers

I got my first camera at 13 as a Christmas gift form my parents. My interest grew through high school from taking a bunch of photography classes, but I had always struggled in finding the right subject— what I wanted to shoot. Then I went to a bunch of concerts at a variety of Charleston […]

5 drugs you should know – so you won’t use

Understand the consequences of drugs before you ever get tempted to use them, so you are not the one being rushed to the hospital. Get the facts and share them with friends, family members and siblings because we all know someone who needs to be informed. Just remember, you can save a life. Ecstasy and […]

9 things you need to know about breed-specific legislation

Breed-specific laws have been around for nearly a decade, but they have gained more attention recently due to the passage of a pit-bull ban in Montreal, Canada. Thanks to the Montreal SPCA and the power of online petitions, this ban was lifted, but here’s what you need to know to keep your furry friends safe […]

Where to eat in Charleston when you’re broke af: a memoir

Being a college student in a town that thrives off tourist prices like Charleston is not an easy undertaking. That weekly budget plan you made at the beginning of the semester can be difficult to stick to when you highly value Taco Tuesdays at Fuel. Before you know it you find yourself broke but with […]

5 reasons CofC needs a football team

Growing up I remember making a lot of great memories with my family. Some of the best come from watching the college bowl games as we put up our Christmas tree, or watching the Clemson-Carolina game with bated breath. While I have pleasant memories of attending the College of Charleston’s basketball games as well, I […]

Five of the trendiest ‘F/W 2016’ presentations

We all want to be on top of the latest trends, but with dozens of new trends every season this may seem like a lofty goal. With hundreds of designers, it can be hard to keep up, and unless your last name is Kardashian, it’s basically impossible to shop for every trend. Worry not, fashionistas […]

9 best Charleston food deals you’re missing

Whether you’re ballin’ on a college budget or just love a good deal, Charleston has plenty of restaurants that may have what you’ve been looking for. The Holy City is known for its roots in the food industry with some of the best restaurants that you can’t miss and with these deals, here’s your chance. […]